A forgettable second-half play Saturday summed it up beautifully: As soon as the football was snapped, Kansas University defensive end Charlton Keith juked right, dashed inside and wrapped up running back Cory Ross at the line of scrimmage.

Nebraska’s left tackle wasn’t able to lay a finger on Keith.

Such domination has its rewards, and Keith got one Monday: He was named the Big 12 Conference’s defensive player of the week for his efforts in KU’s 40-15 victory over Nebraska.

“They had a rough time. They couldn’t block him,” KU coach Mark Mangino said after Saturday’s game. “He changes direction so quickly, he kept getting their offensive tackles with weight over their hips.”

When that happens, the ball carrier better brace for a hit.

Keith had a team-high eight tackles against the Huskers, including three for a loss and a sack. He also broke up a pass.

For the season, Keith’s numbers are staggering for a defensive end: 45 tackles, 18 for a loss, eight sacks, six quarterback hurries, four passes broken up, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.

Surely, All-Big 12 honors await, and a case for All-America could be made.

If any voters need testimony, ask Nebraska’s offensive linemen.

“He came off the ball like a rocket,” Mangino said. “He uses his hands as well as any defensive end that I’ve been around, and there are some playing in the NFL.”

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Keith is the second Jayhawk to receive player-of-the-week honors this season. Linebacker Brandon Perkins was cited after setting a school record for sacks after the Louisiana Tech game.

Iowa State running back Stevie Hicks earned offensive player-of-the-week honors this week, while Colorado kicker Mason Crosby was cited for special teams.

¢ Hot off the press: The excitement from fans over KU’s victory — which snapped a 36-game losing streak to Nebraska — made Kansas officials go to quick work in making T-shirts to commemorate it.

Now available at kustore.com is a blue T-shirt showing the score of Saturday’s game, with “We shucked the world!” across the top.

The shirts cost $20.

¢ A WR at RB: Kansas next will travel to face Texas, the second-ranked team in college football but a squad that’s a bit dinged up.

Running back Selvin Young did not play in UT’s 62-0 rout of Baylor because of an ankle injury. Another back, Jamaal Charles, has been hampered with an ankle injury, as well.

It didn’t matter too much. Texas has a versatile athlete in Ramonce Taylor, who had 102 rushing yards and three touchdowns, as well as 43 receiving yards and a touchdown against Baylor.

“We thought he was the healthiest of all the running backs to come in and play,” Texas coach Mack Brown said. “He did a great job.”